Don't think just because he has building transmission since 62 that he knows everything. 700r4's weren't even in existance til 82, so that takes off 20 years of his experience right there. I know guys that are trans masters on foreign, and don't know jack about domestic, and vice versa, I know guys that know GM like the back of their hand and don't know Ford or Dodge, and I know guys that know about Non E transmission, but don't know crap about the Non E, and vice versa. So just cuz he has been working on transmissions since 62 doesn't mean he knows all. I'd say if it came out, it needs to go back in. It could be an important orfice. Why I think its important is you said it has a hole thru it. That means fluid probably flows thru it. Just a thought.